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One of the most contentious courtroom dramas in recent memory has come to an end.
But the verdict delivered moments ago in the trial of Karen Read is sure to spark even more debate about this very polarizing case.
The jury found Read guilty of drunk driving, but she was acquitted of the far more serious charge of second-degree murder.
Karen Read to avoid jail time following high-profile trial
Read received one year of probation and will not be forced to serve any jail time.
The jury reached their verdict after three days of deliberations.
The saga of Read and her late police officer boyfriend, … has been dragging on for years, with Read’s first trial resulting in a mistrial in 2024.
Read pleaded not guilty to all charges, including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
For the manslaughter charge, jurors had the authorite to consider the lesser charges of involuntary manslaughter and motor vehicle homicide, but they ultimately opted to convict Read of nothing more serious than drunk driving.
Read and her attorneys have maintained that she was framed, and that off-duty police officers were responsible for O’Keefe’s death.
Karen Read thanks supporters in first public statement since acquittal
Moments ago, Read hosted an impromptu press conference on the courthouse steps, thanking her attorneys and her supporters for helping to secure today’s outcome.
“I could not be standing here without these amazing supporters who have supported me and my team financially and more importantly emotionally for almost four years,” she said, according to CNN.
She also said, “No one has fought harder for justice for John O’Keefe than I have, Than I have, and my team.”
Karen’s father, Bill Read, also shared an emotional statement.
“I want to acknowledge the strength of our daughter, Karen, the support of the entire Read extended family,” he said, describing his daughter’s legal counsel as “the greatest team of attorneys.”
Few murder suspects in recent history have enjoyed as much public support as Karen Read, but today’s verdict is sure to attract quite a few critics, as well.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
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